Pakistan is holding talks with Afghanistan to ease tensions, but the Foreign Office says Kabul must take “visible and verifiable actions.” Diplomatic contacts had stalled since Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26 against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan.
The discussions in Urumqi, China, involve senior officials and focus on recent escalations, with China encouraging confidence-building measures like reopening trade routes. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing further reinforced regional dialogue, leading to a five-point initiative calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and peace talks.
Pakistan emphasizes that progress depends on Afghanistan acting against terrorist groups operating from its soil. Quadrilateral talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt also aim to de-escalate the US-Iran conflict. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq continues, with temporary pauses during Eidul Fitr, until its objectives of securing the border and countering terrorism are achieved.
